Tips for Caring for Your Mouth Guard

Mouth guards play a critical role in safeguarding your teeth, whether they are used for sports, night-time teeth grinding, or addressing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. However, to keep your mouth guard functioning properly and ensure its longevity, it’s important to maintain and care for it correctly. Dentists recommend following specific hygiene and care practices to keep your mouth guard in excellent condition while also protecting your oral health. Here are some important tips on how to care for your mouth guard and maximize its longevity.

Clean Your Mouth Guard After Every Use

One of the most important steps in maintaining your mouth guard is cleaning it after each use. Saliva, bacteria, and food particles can accumulate on the surface of the mouth guard, leading to unpleasant odors, potential infections, and a reduced lifespan for the device. To clean it, rinse the mouth guard thoroughly under cool water after each use. A soft toothbrush and mild soap are effective for cleaning away buildup on your mouth guard. Be sure to avoid using hot water, as the heat may cause the material to deform, which can affect the mouth guard’s fit and overall performance.

Deep Clean Regularly

In addition to daily rinsing, dentists recommend performing a more thorough cleaning at least once a week. You can use a specialized mouth guard cleaner or soak the mouth guard in a mixture of water and denture cleaner or antibacterial mouthwash. This deep clean helps to eliminate bacteria that could potentially cause infections or lead to bad odors. After soaking, be sure to rinse the mouth guard thoroughly with cool water to remove any cleaning solution residue.

Store It Properly

Proper storage is essential for preventing damage to your mouth guard. Always store it in a well-ventilated case that allows airflow to dry the guard completely between uses. Keeping the mouth guard in a sealed container or plastic bag can promote bacterial growth due to the trapped moisture. Make sure the case itself is clean and dry before placing your mouth guard inside. Dentists suggest cleaning the storage case regularly as well, as it can harbor bacteria and dust.

Avoid Chewing on Your Mouth Guard

One of the most common ways people inadvertently damage their mouth guards is by chewing on them. Whether you’re wearing a night guard or a sports guard, biting or chewing on the device can cause it to wear out prematurely, leading to cracks or distortions in the material. Be mindful of this, and try to avoid chewing or grinding the mouth guard when it’s in use.

Inspect for Wear and Tear

Frequently check your mouth guard for signs of damage, such as cracks, thinning, or rough areas. A worn-out mouth guard may not provide adequate protection and could potentially irritate your gums or soft tissues. If you detect any issues, contact your dentist to assess whether it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Replace When Necessary

Even with proper care, mouth guards have a limited lifespan. Depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain it, a mouth guard may need to be replaced every 6 months to a year. Custom-made guards from a dentist like bognorregisdental.co.uk tend to last longer than over-the-counter options, but they too will eventually need replacing due to wear and tear. It’s essential to follow your dentist’s recommendations for replacement to ensure you’re always properly protected.

Keep It Away from Heat and Direct Sunlight

Mouth guards are typically made of thermoplastic materials that can become misshapen if exposed to excessive heat. Avoid leaving your mouth guard in hot environments, such as inside a car, near a radiator, or in direct sunlight. Heat can cause the guard to lose its shape, which compromises its fit and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Taking care of your mouth guard is key to prolonging its effectiveness and maintaining your oral health. By following these dentist-approved tips, you can keep your mouth guard in top condition, ensure that it provides optimal protection, and reduce the risk of oral health problems. Proper cleaning, careful storage, and regular inspection will help you get the most out of your mouth guard and maximize its lifespan.